Seroma (fluid collection) after Breast Surgery - James Paget ...
Seroma (fluid collection) after Breast Surgery - James Paget ...
Seroma (fluid collection) after Breast Surgery - James Paget ...
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<strong>James</strong> <strong>Paget</strong> University Hospitals<br />
NHS Foundation Trust<br />
<strong>Seroma</strong> (<strong>fluid</strong> <strong>collection</strong>) <strong>after</strong><br />
<strong>Breast</strong> <strong>Surgery</strong><br />
Patient Information
Following breast surgery, as a part of the healing process, a<br />
<strong>collection</strong> of <strong>fluid</strong> called a <strong>Seroma</strong> can occur. The <strong>fluid</strong> may<br />
collect under your arm where some or all of your lymph<br />
glands have been removed or on the chest wall if you have<br />
had a mastectomy. It can also occur on the back following<br />
an LD flap reconstruction.<br />
If you develop a <strong>Seroma</strong> it will usually be <strong>after</strong> you have<br />
had any drains removed and have gone home.<br />
<strong>Seroma</strong>s can occur unpredictably in some but not all<br />
patients. This <strong>fluid</strong> will cause no harm or damage, and<br />
if left will in time be slowly absorbed by your own body.<br />
However if the <strong>collection</strong> causes discomfort, the <strong>fluid</strong><br />
can be drained using a needle and syringe by your <strong>Breast</strong><br />
Care Nurse or Doctor. Sometimes when the <strong>fluid</strong> has been<br />
drained it can recollect and may need a further drainage.<br />
If you think you have developed a <strong>Seroma</strong>:<br />
• Are your levels of discomfort increasing?<br />
• Is the swelling increasing in size?<br />
• Is the discomfort preventing you from doing your arm<br />
exercises?<br />
• Is the discomfort preventing you from sleeping?<br />
• Are you worried?
If the answer is yes to any of these please<br />
ring for advice on:<br />
01493 452447<br />
• Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm and ask to speak to your<br />
<strong>Breast</strong> Care Nurse.<br />
• Alternatively if the <strong>Breast</strong> Care Nurses are not in the<br />
office please leave a message and your call will be<br />
returned as soon as possible.
The hospital is able to arrange for an<br />
interpreter to assist you in communicating<br />
effectively with staff during your stay<br />
through INTRAN.<br />
If you need an interpreter or a person to sign,<br />
please let us know.<br />
If you require a large print version of this<br />
booklet, please contact PALS on<br />
01493 453240<br />
Author:<br />
Karen Flores<br />
<strong>Breast</strong> Care Services Team Leader<br />
© July 2009<br />
<strong>James</strong> <strong>Paget</strong> University Hospitals NHS<br />
Foundation Trust<br />
Review Date: July 2012<br />
BC 5 version 1
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